Des Plaines Gambling Lobbyists Deal Up
Posted: Friday, July 12, 2013 2:59 pm | Updated: 3:01 pm, Fri Jul 12, 2013.
Des Plaines could renew two contracts for downstate lobbyists next week — a move Mayor Matt Bogusz said is a worthwhile bet for protecting the city’s gambling interests.
Alfred G. Ronan, Ltd. would have a new contract through 2013 at $5,000 per month, the same rate as last year. Meanwhile, the new deal for lobbying firm McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC would run through June 30, 2014 for up to $25,200.
Both firms have represented the city on gambling issues at the state capital. Des Plaines has a vested interest in gaming expansion legislation because Rivers Casino, which opened in July 2011, is the state’s 10th and most lucrative casino. In order to secure what was thought to be the final casino license in Illinois, Des Plaines agreed to pay the state $10 million annually for 30 years and share 40% of remaining revenue with 10 other designated communities.
That deal is expected to lose much of its value if slots are allowed at racetracks like Arlington Park or Chicago and other towns are granted additional casino licenses. The lobbyists have worked to lessen the impact on Des Plaines in new gaming legislation, which has not been passed.
The lobbying contracts initially came back to the city council for renewal in March. However, some aldermen questioned the work being done in Springfield and why they were not being regularly updated on the lobbyists’ efforts. Instead of approving the full renewal, the city council extended the contracts until July 1 to give them time to work out their concerns.
“I think everybody just wanted to get reacquainted with the work going on,” Bogusz said Wednesday.
Bogusz said Wednesday he has worked hard to make sure the eight aldermen are better informed about the lobbyists’ efforts.
“We’re very well positioned to support our interests and the lobbyists are a part of that,” he said.
The contract extensions will be voted on during the city council meeting Monday, July 15.
The contract for the city’s third lobbying firm, Government Consulting Services of Illinois, LLC, runs through October.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_a183a3a8-eb2d-11e2-96ad-001a4bcf6878.html
Alfred G. Ronan, Ltd. would have a new contract through 2013 at $5,000 per month, the same rate as last year. Meanwhile, the new deal for lobbying firm McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC would run through June 30, 2014 for up to $25,200.
Both firms have represented the city on gambling issues at the state capital. Des Plaines has a vested interest in gaming expansion legislation because Rivers Casino, which opened in July 2011, is the state’s 10th and most lucrative casino. In order to secure what was thought to be the final casino license in Illinois, Des Plaines agreed to pay the state $10 million annually for 30 years and share 40% of remaining revenue with 10 other designated communities.
That deal is expected to lose much of its value if slots are allowed at racetracks like Arlington Park or Chicago and other towns are granted additional casino licenses. The lobbyists have worked to lessen the impact on Des Plaines in new gaming legislation, which has not been passed.
The lobbying contracts initially came back to the city council for renewal in March. However, some aldermen questioned the work being done in Springfield and why they were not being regularly updated on the lobbyists’ efforts. Instead of approving the full renewal, the city council extended the contracts until July 1 to give them time to work out their concerns.
“I think everybody just wanted to get reacquainted with the work going on,” Bogusz said Wednesday.
Since then, the council has held meetings with the lobbyists, most recently last week, and communication has improved, Bogusz said. The mayor himself visited Springfield in May shortly after his swearing in and met with the lobbying firms regarding gaming expansion and other issues.
He then reported back to the city council.
He then reported back to the city council.
Bogusz said Wednesday he has worked hard to make sure the eight aldermen are better informed about the lobbyists’ efforts.
“We’re very well positioned to support our interests and the lobbyists are a part of that,” he said.
The contract extensions will be voted on during the city council meeting Monday, July 15.
The contract for the city’s third lobbying firm, Government Consulting Services of Illinois, LLC, runs through October.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_a183a3a8-eb2d-11e2-96ad-001a4bcf6878.html
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